How to become a ski patroller

How to become a Ski Patroller

Becoming a ski patroller involves education, training, and hands-on experience. Here’s a typical path:

• Develop Skiing or Snowboarding Skills: Ski patrollers must be highly skilled on skis or a snowboard to navigate mountain terrain safely. Regular practice and training are essential.
• Obtain First Aid and CPR Certification: Patrollers need basic medical skills to respond to injuries. Certification in first aid and CPR is usually required.
• Take Avalanche Safety Courses: In avalanche-prone areas, training in avalanche assessment and rescue techniques is important. Courses like Avalanche Level 1 (AVY 1) or Avalanche Rescue are common.
• Complete Ski Patrol Training: Many resorts provide training in mountain safety, emergency response, lift evacuation, and guest assistance. This gives practical knowledge and experience.
• Get Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Certification: For backcountry patrolling, WFR training teaches how to handle medical emergencies in remote locations.
• Apply for Ski Patrol Jobs: Once trained, you can apply to ski resorts, where hiring often includes interviews, ski proficiency tests, and background checks.
• Continue Learning on the Job: Even after being hired, patrollers improve their skills through drills, continuing education, and staying updated on safety practices and emergency care.

Certifications
Ski patrollers may obtain various certifications and qualifications to enhance their skills, knowledge, and effectiveness in their role. Some common certifications and qualifications for ski patrollers include:

• Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC): Outdoor Emergency Care is a certification program developed by the National Ski Patrol (NSP) specifically for ski patrollers. OEC courses cover a wide range of topics, including first aid, trauma management, patient assessment, and emergency medical procedures. Obtaining OEC certification is typically a requirement for ski patrollers working at NSP-affiliated ski resorts.
• Avalanche Safety Courses: Ski patrollers who work in areas prone to avalanches may benefit from additional training in avalanche safety and rescue techniques. Courses such as Avalanche Level 1 (AVY 1) or Avalanche Rescue provide essential knowledge and skills for assessing avalanche hazards, conducting rescue operations, and managing avalanche-related emergencies.
• CPR and Basic First Aid: Ski patrollers are often required to have certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and basic first aid. These certifications ensure that patrollers are prepared to respond quickly and effectively to medical emergencies on the mountain, providing initial care and stabilization until advanced medical help arrives.
• Lift Evacuation Training: Ski resorts with chairlifts or gondolas may require ski patrollers to undergo training in lift evacuation procedures. This training prepares patrollers to safely evacuate guests from ski lifts in the event of mechanical failures, power outages, or other emergencies, ensuring the safety of guests and employees.
• Rope Rescue Training: Ski patrollers may also receive training in rope rescue techniques to assist with rescues in steep or inaccessible terrain. Rope rescue training covers skills such as rappelling, belaying, and raising and lowering injured individuals using ropes and rigging systems.
• Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Certification: Ski patrollers who work in backcountry or remote areas may choose to obtain certification as a Wilderness First Responder (WFR). WFR courses provide advanced training in wilderness medicine, patient assessment, and long-term care in resource-limited environments, equipping patrollers with the skills needed to manage medical emergencies in remote wilderness settings.